Uganda Gets $30m from China to Modernise Customs

By Dipo Olowookere

China has agreed to support customs modernization project in Uganda with a grant worth $30 million, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

In a statement issued and obtained by Business Post, the Foreign Affairs Ministry disclosed that the

grant agreement was signed in the Chinese capital, Beijing on November 3, 2017 by Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; and Dr Qian Keming, Vice Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr Chrispus Kiyonga, Ambassador of Uganda; Mr Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Commissioner Customs (URA); and other senior government officials.

The grant will support the capacity of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to acquire latest technologies in the form of non-intrusive scanners, modernized customs risk management, supervision and communication systems, customs service and enforcement support, border infrastructure improvement among others.

Dr Qian Keming informed that the grant demonstrates the value China attaches to the relationship with Uganda.

On his part, Mr Kasaija extended appreciation to the Chinese government and observed that the grant will support government to mitigate revenue losses as well as facilitate trade and border management.

The grant agreement was signed on the margins of the 2nd session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Investment and Technical Cooperation. During the bilateral meeting, both sides reviewed the status of economic cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure and development cooperation. The meeting agreed on strategies to support Uganda’s competitive products access the market in China, promote the country’s touristic attractions as well as boosting investment and industrial capacity.

The Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Investment and Technical Cooperation is a bilateral mechanism that meets regularly to review implementation of agreed decisions and prioritize areas that promote trade and economic cooperation.